5 Dark Horse Candidates To Make New England Patriots’ 53-Man Roster

5 Dark Horse Candidates To Make New England Patriots’ 53-Man Roster

By Nick Sardina

July 7, 2015

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5 Dark Horse Candidates To Make New England Patriots’ 53-Man Roster

New England Patriots — The New England Patriots’ training camp is just over three weeks away, and the defending champions will begin their long trek to a hopeful title defense. With several offseason changes at vital positions, the Patriots have a little more roster uncertainty heading into 2015. Some of those changes will open up opportunities for relatively unknown players to earn a roster spot. Here are five players who could surprise and make the final cut.

The New England Patriots’ training camp is just over three weeks away, and the defending champions will begin their long trek to a hopeful title defense. With several offseason changes at vital positions, the Patriots have a little more roster uncertainty heading into 2015. Some of those changes will open up opportunities for relatively unknown players to earn a roster spot. Here are five players who could surprise and make the final cut.

5. CB Darryl Roberts

Darryl Roberts

5. CB Darryl Roberts

Darryl Roberts New England Patriots — The Patriots parted ways with four of their top six corners and the battle during camp and the preseason will be closely monitored. Roberts, a 2015 seventh-rounder out of Marshall, could become this season's Malcolm Butler. At 5-foot-11, 187 pounds, Roberts has length and impressive short-area quickness. If he can display the ability to perform all the tasks asked of Patriots corners, Roberts has a real chance to clinch a spot on the final 53.

The Patriots parted ways with four of their top six corners and the battle during camp and the preseason will be closely monitored. Roberts, a 2015 seventh-rounder out of Marshall, could become this season's Malcolm Butler. At 5-foot-11, 187 pounds, Roberts has length and impressive short-area quickness. If he can display the ability to perform all the tasks asked of Patriots corners, Roberts has a real chance to clinch a spot on the final 53.

4. WR Josh Boyce

Josh Boyce New England Patriots

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4. WR Josh Boyce

Josh Boyce New England Patriots — I expect the Patriots to keep six receivers on their final roster, and with just three clear-cut keepers in Julian Edelman, Brandon LaFell and Danny Amendola, there will be competition for the final two or three spots at wideout on the roster. Boyce, 5-foot-11, 205 pounds, is smaller, but has superior quickness to his top challengers, Aaron Dobson, Brian Tyms and Brandon Gibson. If he impresses, Boyce can wrestle away a spot on the final roster.

I expect the Patriots to keep six receivers on their final roster, and with just three clear-cut keepers in Julian Edelman, Brandon LaFell and Danny Amendola, there will be competition for the final two or three spots at wideout on the roster. Boyce, 5-foot-11, 205 pounds, is smaller, but has superior quickness to his top challengers, Aaron Dobson, Brian Tyms and Brandon Gibson. If he impresses, Boyce can wrestle away a spot on the final roster.

3. RB Dion Lewis

Dion Lewis New England Patriots

3. RB Dion Lewis

Dion Lewis New England Patriots — Another enormous competition this training camp will be for the job as the Patriots’ third-down back. Shane Vereen was integral in New England winning the Super Bowl, and he must be replaced. The favorites to win the job are James White or Travaris Cadet. However, Lewis really impressed during minicamp, and his route running earned Tom Brady’s praise. If he can continue to flash during training camp, Lewis could pull the upset.

Another enormous competition this training camp will be for the job as the Patriots’ third-down back. Shane Vereen was integral in New England winning the Super Bowl, and he must be replaced. The favorites to win the job are James White or Travaris Cadet. However, Lewis really impressed during minicamp, and his route running earned Tom Brady’s praise. If he can continue to flash during training camp, Lewis could pull the upset.

2. RB Tyler Gaffney

Tyler Gaffney

2. RB Tyler Gaffney

Tyler Gaffney New England Patriots — With LeGarrette Blount, Brandon Bolden, Jonas Gray and James White ahead of him on many projected depth charts, Gaffney certainly has his work cut out for him to make the final roster. However, Bill Belichick thought enough of Gaffney to snare him on waivers from Carolina after a he suffered a major knee injury, and he is the kind of no-nonsense back who powers forward for those hidden yards that can often decide wins and losses.

With LeGarrette Blount, Brandon Bolden, Jonas Gray and James White ahead of him on many projected depth charts, Gaffney certainly has his work cut out for him to make the final roster. However, Bill Belichick thought enough of Gaffney to snare him on waivers from Carolina after a he suffered a major knee injury, and he is the kind of no-nonsense back who powers forward for those hidden yards that can often decide wins and losses.

1. LB James Morris

James Morris New England Patriots

1. LB James Morris

James Morris New England Patriots — After the Patriots cut Brandon Spikes due to another off-field incident, it opened up a spot. Chances are players like Morris. Jamie Collins, Dont’a Hightower, Jerod Mayo and Dane Fletcher will be the top four options, leaving a few spots for specialists and depth. A 2014 college free agent out of Iowa, Morris, 6-foot-1, 241 pounds, is still a long-shot to make the roster, but if he has a chance to stick if he can show continued improvement.

After the Patriots cut Brandon Spikes due to another off-field incident, it opened up a spot. Chances are players like Morris. Jamie Collins, Dont’a Hightower, Jerod Mayo and Dane Fletcher will be the top four options, leaving a few spots for specialists and depth. A 2014 college free agent out of Iowa, Morris, 6-foot-1, 241 pounds, is still a long-shot to make the roster, but if he has a chance to stick if he can show continued improvement.

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